Temporary halt on large home construction in rural Boulder County begins

On Sept. 17, 2024, the Boulder County Commissioners held a public hearing where they enacted a six-month moratorium on site plan reviews for homes exceeding the neighborhood median square footage. This controversial move was intended to address housing costs and environmental impacts.

Attendees at the hearing included staff presenters Ethan Abner and Kim Sanchez from the Community Planning & Permitting Department, Assistant County Attorney Erica Rogers, and community members (40 total) who spoke to the issue, including architects, realtors, representatives of builders and contractors, members of the Boulder Chamber of Commerce and various Boulder and Longmont residents.

This six-month moratorium went into effect on Jan. 17, 2025, and prevents the construction of larger homes in unincorporated areas, with exceptions for properties lost in the Marshall Fire. Commissioners Ashley Stolzmann and Marta Loachamin supported the measure last September, while Commissioner Claire Levy voiced opposition.

In a statement addressing development in Boulder County, Stolzmann clarified that the current situation represents a temporary pause, not a complete halt to building. She emphasized that this brief interruption will last approximately six months while stakeholders discuss and develop new regulations for future construction.

The moratorium has sparked significant debate. Dozens of residents testified at the public hearing, and most speakers opposed the action, expressing concerns about disrupting property development plans.

The current county code allows homes up to 125% of the neighborhood median square footage. The pause will enable officials to develop new regulations addressing housing size, potential property tax implications, and environmental considerations.

Critics argue the moratorium could perpetuate housing inequities. Architect Brian Fuentes called the policy "exclusionary" and noted it would disproportionately impact neighborhoods with smaller homes.

Designer Jessica Hertzberg emphasized the importance of taking proactive steps to improve Boulder County's climate resilience, arguing that delaying necessary environmental actions will ultimately place additional stress on local communities in the future.

The moratorium is scheduled to run until July 17, 2025, unless extended by county resolution. Homeowners can still construct dwellings up to their neighborhood's median home size during this period.